Teacher's blog + Schools | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog+education/schools
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 20:21:05 GMT2015-03-03T20:21:05Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Four common myths about young people and mental health debunkedhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/26/myths-mental-health-problems-young-people
<p>Mental illnesses don’t make you dangerous and teenagers’ moods might not just be their hormones – journalist Matthew Jenkin explores common misconceptions about young people and mental health</p><p>It’s Saturday night, it’s The X Factor – the popular talent show which spawned pop superstars One Direction and Leona Lewis. Watched by millions of teenagers every week, its power to influence legions of young fans is undeniable. Which is why mental health campaigners were left baffled, confused and furious when contestant Lola Saunders performed a rendition of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/head-quarters/2014/nov/08/x-factor-mental-health-stigma-lola-saunders-cheryl-fernandez-versini-crazy">Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy</a> with a troupe of dancers in straitjackets.</p><p>With <a href="http://www.youngminds.org.uk/training_services/policy/mental_health_statistics">one in 10 children and young people aged five to 16</a> suffering from a diagnosable mental health problem – that is around three children in every class – the show’s misguided attempt at Halloween humour was not only bad taste, it was potentially damaging.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/26/myths-mental-health-problems-young-people">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationMental healthSchoolsSecondary schoolsPrimary schoolsTeachingHealthWed, 26 Nov 2014 12:49:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/26/myths-mental-health-problems-young-peoplePhotograph: Tom Dymond/Thames TV/PAThe X Factor left mental health campaigners baffled with a misguided performance which included a troupe of dancers in straightjackets. Photograph: Tom Dymond/Thames TV/PAPhotograph: Tom Dymond/Thames TV/PAThe X Factor left mental health campaigners baffled with a misguided performance which included a troupe of dancers in straightjackets. Photograph: Tom Dymond/Thames TV/PAMatthew Jenkin2014-11-26T12:49:15ZHow pupil power makes schools more open about mental health problemshttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/25/pupil-power-mental-health-schools
<p>It’s not enough to educate teachers about mental health. Journalist <strong>Matthew Jenkin</strong> explores how putting change in the hands of students helps schools be more inclusive</p><p>Three years ago, a student at <a href="http://www.langton.kent.sch.uk/">Simon Langton Girls’ grammar school</a> in Kent returned to class after being treated for an eating disorder. The teenager was feeling much better but a passing comment from her teacher threatened to unravel things: “Wow, your face is looking much fuller!” While certainly well-meaning, it was poorly considered, and for the girl in question, humiliating and traumatic.</p><p>After hearing about this incident, PSHE teacher Rachel Watmore realised that it was time mental health was taken more seriously in her school.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/25/pupil-power-mental-health-schools">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsMental healthTue, 25 Nov 2014 11:34:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/25/pupil-power-mental-health-schoolsPhotograph: AlamyStudents need to be empowered and take the lead in helping build a safe and open environment for discussion of mental health in schools. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyStudents need to be empowered and take the lead in helping build a safe and open environment for discussion of mental health in schools. Photograph: AlamyMatthew Jenkin2014-11-25T11:34:31ZHow to teach … immigrationhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/24/how-to-teach-immigration
<p>Educating students about the UK’s diverse mix of cultures promotes inclusion and tolerance. Take your pick of our resources</p><p>London is made up of more than 270 nationalities with more than <a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/news/270-nationalities-and-300-different-languages-how-a-united-nations-of-workers-is-driving-london-forward-6572417.html">300 languages now spoken in the capital’s schools</a>, so what does it really mean to be British?</p><p>Teaching students about the UK’s diverse population is a good way to promote inclusion and tolerance in class, and there are plenty of ideas on how to tackle the topic of immigration on the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/">Guardian Teacher Network</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/24/how-to-teach-immigration">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsSchoolsTeachingPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsMon, 24 Nov 2014 17:03:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/24/how-to-teach-immigrationPhotograph: AlamyEducate your students about the benefits and challenges of living in a multicultural society with our teaching resources. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyEducate your students about the benefits and challenges of living in a multicultural society with our teaching resources. Photograph: AlamyGuardian Staff2014-11-24T17:03:34ZCould you teach with a child telling you to f-off every five minutes?http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/23/child-headteacher-career-teaching-special-schools
<p>Headteacher Richard Boyle, who featured in Channel 4 documentary The Last Chance School, on why students in special schools are misunderstood</p><p><em>Richard Boyle is the principal of </em><a href="http://www.muntham.org.uk/page_viewer.asp?page=Home&amp;pid=1"><em>Muntham House School</em></a><em> in West Sussex. The residential special school for boys with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties was recently the subject of a Channel 4 documentary – The Last Chance School.</em></p><p><strong>It was either teaching or working down the pit.</strong> My granddad, who was a miner, threatened to break my legs if I followed in his footsteps. My mum wasn’t too happy about it either. So from the age of about 15 or 16 I set my sights on becoming a teacher. I wanted to work with the difficult kids, so after finishing university, I got a job at a big comprehensive in Oxfordshire, working in the special educational needs department and teaching history. I flitted between the two roles until eventually they put me in charge of year 11. Those were the kids that caused a lot of problems and were difficult to work with, but I loved it. I had a good rapport with them. I then got a job at a nearby special school.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/23/child-headteacher-career-teaching-special-schools">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationSchoolsSecondary schoolsTeachingSpecial educational needsBehaviour managementSun, 23 Nov 2014 08:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/23/child-headteacher-career-teaching-special-schoolsPhotograph: Last Chance School for Channel 4Children are far more interested in communities, world issues and the environment than my generation ever were. The message should be more positive. Photograph: Last Chance School for Channel 4Photograph: Last Chance School for Channel 4Children are far more interested in communities, world issues and the environment than my generation ever were. The message should be more positive. Photograph: Last Chance School for Channel 4Matthew Jenkin2014-11-23T08:00:02ZSecret Teacher: the culture of fear in my school stops us taking sick leavehttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/22/secret-teacher-fear-sick-leave
Instead of supporting teachers who are ill, managers expect us to answer emails and return to work before we’re ready<br />• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/series/the-secret-teacher" title="">More from the Secret Teacher</a><p>“Do you realise the impact your absence has on your students?” is the first thing the wellness at work panel say to me as I sit down. Not, “are you feeling better?”</p><p>Even though I’ve been back at work for three weeks, I’ve not recovered. I was signed off with a virus that sapped all my strength, leaving me sleeping for 12 hours at a time during the day. I couldn’t speak because my glands were too swollen and I was throwing up every hour or so. The doctor wanted to sign me off for at least two weeks, but I begged her to make it one.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/22/secret-teacher-fear-sick-leave">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachers' workloadTeachingSchoolsSecondary schoolsPrimary schoolsSat, 22 Nov 2014 07:00:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/22/secret-teacher-fear-sick-leavePhotograph: Alamy‘It’s not the kids that make me dread returning to work after illness – it’s the way the school treats me.’ Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: Alamy‘It’s not the kids that make me dread returning to work after illness – it’s the way the school treats me.’ Photograph: AlamyThe Secret Teacher2014-11-22T07:00:11ZBrian Cox on Rosetta, tackling mental health and worksheets v textbookshttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/21/brian-cox-rosetta-mental-health-worksheets-textbooks
<p><strong>Education round up:</strong> TV physicist Brian Cox says Rosetta mission encourages young people into science, a new initiative to address school mental health services and teachers’ night off</p><p><strong>Science in school.</strong> The government should capitalise on excitement over the Rosetta mission and <a href="http://preview.gutools.co.uk/education/2014/nov/17/brian-cox-rosetta-mission-inspire-children">encourage children into the world of science</a>, according to TV physicist Professor Brian Cox. Today, Cox will answer students’ questions from around the UK in a live stream – join in <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/nov/17/brian-cox-rosetta-mission-inspire-children">here</a>.</p><p>I'm having a curry with the girls! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacherwellbeing2014?src=hash">#teacherwellbeing2014</a> <a href="http://t.co/dYDqFo3Fum">pic.twitter.com/dYDqFo3Fum</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacherwellbeing2014?src=hash">#teacherwellbeing2014</a> - Going to the cinema tonight to see, Gone Girl! Don't think I have ever been to the cinema on a school night before!</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> Night off? - helped my daughter make a cake for biology A'level group! <a href="http://t.co/A4VoM3oDmo">pic.twitter.com/A4VoM3oDmo</a></p><p>The week in numbers<br /></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacherwellbeing2014?src=hash">#teacherwellbeing2014</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ukedchat?src=hash">#ukedchat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacherproblems?src=hash">#teacherproblems</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacheredchat?src=hash">#teacheredchat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pegeeks?src=hash">#pegeeks</a> <a href="http://t.co/m5hiT1xutE">pic.twitter.com/m5hiT1xutE</a></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/21/brian-cox-rosetta-mental-health-worksheets-textbooks">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsFri, 21 Nov 2014 07:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/21/brian-cox-rosetta-mental-health-worksheets-textbooksPhotograph: BBCTV physicist Professor Brian Cox has called on the government to capitalise on excitement over the Rosetta mission and encourage young people to take up science.Photograph: BBCTV physicist Professor Brian Cox has called on the government to capitalise on excitement over the Rosetta mission and encourage young people to take up science.Sarah Marsh and Lisa Spiller2014-11-21T07:00:06ZDaily tips to help teachers stay happy and healthy during the weekhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/20/tips-teachers-happy-healthy-week
<p>As the week drags on in school, it can be hard to keep your head above water. Professor Gail Kinman explains what small things teachers can do every day to maintain their mind, body and soul</p><p>As well their duty of care for students, teachers also need to look after themselves. </p><p>Professor Gail Kinman, a chartered psychologist and an associate fellow of the <a href="http://www.bps.org.uk/">British Psychological Society</a>, shares three tips a day for the five days of the working week on things that you can do to de-stress and promote a healthy mind, body and soul. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/20/tips-teachers-happy-healthy-week">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationSchoolsPrimary schoolsWork-life balanceSecondary schoolsTeachers' workloadLife and styleWork & careersTeachingThu, 20 Nov 2014 17:30:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/20/tips-teachers-happy-healthy-weekPhotograph: AlamyTake five minutes to picture yourself in the most relaxing place you can imagine.Photograph: AlamyTake five minutes to picture yourself in the most relaxing place you can imagine.Sarah Marsh2014-11-20T17:30:21ZPushy parents in private schools: public enemy number one for teachers?http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/20/private-school-parents-teachers
The demanding, overzealous public school parent is a classic education stereotype. Journalist <strong>Lucy Ward</strong> examines whether there is any truth to the cliche<p>In the pantheon of education stereotypes, the pushy private school parent is up there with the unwashed physics teacher and smokers behind the bike shed. At the drop of an A*, mummy or daddy are in the Range Rover and off to school to demand a better hockey team spot for Constanza or a higher maths set for Milo.</p><p>But are the cliches true? Should teachers in the independent sector really brace themselves for an onslaught of unreasonable demands from overzealous parents, or is there a more positive side to the relationship?</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/20/private-school-parents-teachers">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsTeachingPrivate schoolsThu, 20 Nov 2014 16:30:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/20/private-school-parents-teachersPhotograph: Simon Stuart MillerCaught in the headlights: do independent school teachers really have to brace themselves for an onslaught of unreasonable demands from parents? Photograph: Simon Stuart MillerPhotograph: Simon Stuart MillerCaught in the headlights: do independent school teachers really have to brace themselves for an onslaught of unreasonable demands from parents? Photograph: Simon Stuart MillerLucy Ward2014-11-20T16:30:19ZHow have teacher workloads changed over the past 25 years?http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/19/teacher-workloads-job-changed
<p>Teachers, who have been in the profession for more than two decades, reflect on how the stresses and strains of the job have changed</p><p>• <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/oct/31/great-teaching-expert-opinions">What makes great teaching? – expert views</a></p><p>Talk to any teacher and they’ll tell you about their working week of 50 hours or more, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/22/nick-clegg-teachers-bureaucracy-education">deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said last month</a>.</p><p>His words came as he called for teachers to say what unnecessary tasks they do and how the “runaway train of bureaucracy” might be reined back.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/19/teacher-workloads-job-changed">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationWork-life balanceTeachers' workloadTeachingSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsOfstedWed, 19 Nov 2014 11:59:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/19/teacher-workloads-job-changedPhotograph: Stephen Jaffe/Getty Images1989: it was the year of Dead Poets Society and the end of the cold war – we compare teaching then and now.Photograph: Stephen Jaffe/Getty Images1989: it was the year of Dead Poets Society and the end of the cold war – we compare teaching then and now.Sarah Marsh2014-11-19T11:59:53ZDo teachers in private schools really work fewer hours for more money?http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/18/teachers-private-schools-work-hours-money
<p>Recent research shows that teachers in independent schools are working longer hours for little extra pay. So how does this compare with the state sector?</p><p>Teachers in private schools are working longer hours this year for little extra pay, according to a recent survey by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).</p><p>The research also finds that the number of students attending private schools has <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationopinion/11219289/No-wonder-private-school-numbers-are-rising.html">risen at its fastest rate since the financial crash in 2008</a>. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/18/teachers-private-schools-work-hours-money">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationWork & careersTeachers' workloadSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsPrivate schoolsWork-life balanceTue, 18 Nov 2014 14:08:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/18/teachers-private-schools-work-hours-moneyPhotograph: AlamyHow do teaching working hours compare across different sectors?Photograph: AlamyHow do teaching working hours compare across different sectors?Sarah Marsh2014-11-18T14:08:45ZHow to teach … anti-bullyinghttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/17/how-to-teach-anti-bullying
<p>As Anti-Bullying Week gets under way, here’s our guide for teachers on how to encourage inclusion and respect in your classroom</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/nov/11/anti-bullying-share-experiences-stories">Share your experiences via GuardianWitness</a><br></li></ul><p>Children with special educational needs (SEN) are <a href="http://www.ioe.ac.uk/newsEvents/100814.html">twice as likely as other young people to suffer persistent bullying</a>, according to research by the Institute of Education. </p><p>The <a href="http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/">Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA)</a>, the organisation that coordinates national <a href="http://www.antibullyingweek.co.uk/">Anti-Bullying Week</a> which runs until Friday 21 November, is focusing on stopping all bullying, including disabled children and those with SEN. This week we’ve put together<strong> </strong>a collection of lesson ideas and resources to help teachers tackle bullying head on.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/17/how-to-teach-anti-bullying">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeaching tipsTeachingBullyingSchoolsChildrenPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsCyberbullyingMon, 17 Nov 2014 18:32:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/17/how-to-teach-anti-bullyingPhotograph: AlamyFrom cyberbullying to the bullying of students with special educational needs, there are plenty of resources to help teachers. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyFrom cyberbullying to the bullying of students with special educational needs, there are plenty of resources to help teachers. Photograph: AlamyGuardian Teacher Network2014-11-17T18:32:16ZLive Q&A: professor Brian Cox answers your students' questionshttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/17/professor-brian-cox-answers-students-questions
<p>Teachers, do your students have a question for Brian Cox? Join us on <strong>Friday 21 November at 11.15am</strong> when the TV scientist will discuss scientific discovery</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/nov/17/brian-cox-rosetta-mission-inspire-children">Brian Cox: Rosetta mission can inspire next generation</a></li></ul><p>The <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/nov/15/rosetta-missions-philae-lander-powers-down-in-comets-darkness">Rosetta mission made galactic history last week</a> when scientists from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/ESA">European Space Agency</a> landed a probe on a speeding comet. It shows how much the world of scientific discovery has changed and proves how<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/nov/17/brian-cox-rosetta-mission-inspire-children"> inspiring science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) can be for the next generation</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/17/professor-brian-cox-answers-students-questions">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsScienceTechnologyEngineering generalMathematicsTeachingBrian CoxPhysicsPeople in scienceSpaceScienceMon, 17 Nov 2014 17:37:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/17/professor-brian-cox-answers-students-questionsPhotograph: Linda Nylind for the GuardianPhotograph: Linda Nylind for the GuardianSarah Marsh2014-11-17T17:37:57ZTeaching children with mental health problems can be the best and worst jobhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/16/teaching-children-mental-health-problems-job
<p>‘If you can’t deal with knowing what the kids have been through, then you can’t stay in the job.’ Deputy headteacher Robin Jones-Ford on working in a special school</p><p><em>Deputy headteacher Robin Jones-Ford is a teacher at </em><a href="http://www.gloucesterhouse.net/" title=""><em>Gloucester House</em></a><em>, an independent special school with a specialist clinical team in Hampstead, London.</em></p><p><strong>Working with children with mental health problems is the best and worst job in the world.</strong> When it’s great it’s fantastic and when it’s bad it’s bloody awful. One of my first jobs after leaving school was in a unit for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties and I immediately knew that this kind of work was going to be the focus of my career. Being able to do a very difficult job is life affirming. The satisfaction of working through all the difficulties students have, building a relationship and moving forward is so much greater because of all the work you’ve done to get there.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/16/teaching-children-mental-health-problems-job">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSpecial educational needsMental healthSchoolsPupil behaviourPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsSun, 16 Nov 2014 08:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/16/teaching-children-mental-health-problems-jobPhotograph: Robin Jones-FordUnderstanding why a child is anxious and working through it can be helpful and also therapeutic. Photograph: Robin Jones-FordPhotograph: Robin Jones-FordUnderstanding why a child is anxious and working through it can be helpful and also therapeutic. Photograph: Robin Jones-FordHolly Welham2014-11-16T08:00:03ZSecret Teacher: parents, please remember we’re people toohttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/15/secret-teacher-parents-need-to-trust-us
<p>Parents need to trust that as teachers we know what we’re doing and treat us with the same respect and courtesy that we show to them</p><p>It started as a perfectly ordinary day. I got into school just after 7.30am, made a cup of tea, chatted to a couple of people in the staff room then pottered off to my classroom and logged onto my computer. I had just started working through the morning’s email deluge – delete that, file this, print that, forward this – when one particular message caught my eye. It was from Nightmare Parent and it had dropped in to my inbox at 10 minutes to midnight.</p><p>It read: “What sort of teacher do you call yourself? I have just put Joe back to bed for the tenth time. He keeps waking up screaming because he can’t do question three on his maths homework. I can’t do anything with him. I’m not getting any sleep. You really must do something about your poor teaching.”</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/15/secret-teacher-parents-need-to-trust-us">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationSchoolsTeachingSecondary schoolsPrimary schoolsParents and parentingFamilyLife and styleSat, 15 Nov 2014 07:00:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/15/secret-teacher-parents-need-to-trust-usPhotograph: AlamyParents need to remember that working with teachers and schools isn’t a one way street, says Secret Teacher. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyParents need to remember that working with teachers and schools isn’t a one way street, says Secret Teacher. Photograph: AlamyThe Secret Teacher2014-11-15T07:00:21ZRosetta mission: resources to help you teach children about space and cometshttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/14/rosetta-mission-philae-comet-spacecraft
<p>The European Space Agency made history this week by landing a robotic probe on a comet. Here’s a roundup of top news and resources to help explore the solar system in class</p><p>Scientists in the Rosetta mission made space history this week by <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/nov/12/rosetta-mission-philae-historic-landing-comet" title="">safely landing a robotic spacecraft on a comet</a>.</p><p>Philae was released from its mothership Rosetta on Wednesday morning and landed on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko shortly after 4pm GMT, having travelled more than six billion kilometres.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/14/rosetta-mission-philae-comet-spacecraft">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsSpaceScienceRosetta space probeCometsAstronomyFri, 14 Nov 2014 15:30:49 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/14/rosetta-mission-philae-comet-spacecraftPhotograph: ESA/REX/ESA/REXPhilae makes history by landing on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko after descending from Rosetta. Photograph: ESA/REXPhotograph: ESA/REX/ESA/REXPhilae makes history by landing on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko after descending from Rosetta. Photograph: ESA/REXKate Hodge2014-11-14T15:30:49ZBoris backs grammar schools, academy trusts finances and wellbeinghttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/14/boris-johnson-grammar-schools-academy-trusts-financeswellbeing
<p><strong>Education round up: </strong>London’s mayor describes scrapping grammar schools as a “tragedy”, multi-academy trusts face financial scrutiny and we celebrate the mind, body and soul </p><p><strong>Grammar schools. </strong>They made headline news after<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/nov/11/boris-johnson-backing-grammar-schools"> London’s mayor Boris Johnson came out in support of them</a>. Johnson described the decision to scrap grammar schools as “a real tragedy for this country”.</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacherwellbeing2014?src=hash">#teacherwellbeing2014</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoetUSA">@MoetUSA</a> champagne always helps! <a href="http://t.co/cEWKLlpat7">pic.twitter.com/cEWKLlpat7</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> Loving the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacherwellbeing2014?src=hash">#teacherwellbeing2014</a> concept. Can we keep it going? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacherwellbeing?src=hash">#teacherwellbeing</a> essential for staff &amp; students...always</p><p>Find out how to make a prawn tang to keep you upbeat this winter <a href="http://t.co/gzVMpfdZsk">http://t.co/gzVMpfdZsk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teacherwellbeing2014?src=hash">#teacherwellbeing2014</a> <a href="http://t.co/DJNOWRBPEU">pic.twitter.com/DJNOWRBPEU</a></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/WCTeachers">@WCTeachers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GuardianTeach">@GuardianTeach</a> WINE A soothing tonic for weary teachers Serves 1-2 Ingredients 750ml wine Open bottle and pour into glass</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/14/boris-johnson-grammar-schools-academy-trusts-financeswellbeing">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsFri, 14 Nov 2014 07:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/14/boris-johnson-grammar-schools-academy-trusts-financeswellbeingPhotograph: DARREN STAPLES/REUTERSThe mayor of London, Boris Johnson, spoke out in support of grammar schools.Photograph: DARREN STAPLES/REUTERSThe mayor of London, Boris Johnson, spoke out in support of grammar schools.Sarah Marsh2014-11-14T07:00:02ZShopping lists and water skis: teachers and their unusual hobbieshttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/13/teachers-unusual-hobbies
<p>Our community talk about the novel past times that help them unwind after a tough day in the classroom</p><p>After our search for teachers with unusual, interesting and exciting hobbies, we can safely say teacher’s aren’t a boring bunch.</p><p>We asked you to tell us about your weird and wonderful past times – the things that help you de-stress outside of the classroom as part of our wellbeing week.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/13/teachers-unusual-hobbies">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationSchoolsTeachingTeachers' workloadLife and styleHobbiesThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:00:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/13/teachers-unusual-hobbiesPhotograph: Scott AllsopScott Allsop poses with one of his shopping lists.Photograph: Scott AllsopScott Allsop poses with one of his shopping lists.Photograph: PROur anonymous teacher shares a photo from their narrow boat.Photograph: PROur anonymous teacher shares a photo from their narrow boat.Photograph: prOne of Paul Stockley’s sculptures.Photograph: prOne of Paul Stockley’s sculptures.Photograph: Paul StockleyAnother one of Stockley’s sculptures.Photograph: Paul StockleyAnother one of Stockley’s sculptures.Photograph: Simone McAdamSimone McAdam loves to waterski in Scotland.Photograph: Simone McAdamSimone McAdam loves to waterski in Scotland.Photograph: Marc Princivalle for imagesconce/Getty Images/Flickr RFA narrow boat on the Thames river.Photograph: Marc Princivalle for imagesconce/Getty Images/Flickr RFA narrow boat on the Thames river.Sarah Marsh2014-11-13T16:00:07ZTeachers, are you happy in your job? Tell us by filling in our surveyhttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/12/teachers-are-you-happy-in-your-job-tell-us-by-filling-in-our-survey
<p>Help contribute to our research on teacher workloads and wellbeing <br></p><ul><li><a href="http://preview.gutools.co.uk/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/07/teacher-work-life-balance-live-chat">How can teachers get a better work-life balance? – live chat </a></li></ul><p>The average teacher now works more than <a href="http://ampp3d.mirror.co.uk/2014/03/02/teachers-are-working-between-50-and-60-hours-a-week/">50 hours a week, causing alarm</a> about happiness and wellbeing in the profession.<br /></p><p>We want to hear from you about how happy you are in your job, how you feel your career prospects are shaping up and what management support you get.<br /></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/12/teachers-are-you-happy-in-your-job-tell-us-by-filling-in-our-survey">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationSchoolsTeachingTeachers' workloadWed, 12 Nov 2014 18:03:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/12/teachers-are-you-happy-in-your-job-tell-us-by-filling-in-our-surveyPhotograph: AlamyWhat has been the biggest contributing factor to happiness in your career?Photograph: AlamyWhat has been the biggest contributing factor to happiness in your career?Sarah Marsh2014-11-12T18:03:26ZWhat are the best time-saving apps for teachers?http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/12/time-saving-apps-teachers
<p>A round up of the apps that could help you save time, their best features and glitches</p><p>“There’s simply not enough time,” I hear you say – and I agree.</p><p>It’s fair enough, as a teacher, if you find that you don’t even have enough time to look at all the gadgets and devices that might help save time. But stop the clock and allow me to bring you up to speed with the best time-saving apps around, as well as pointing out some of the glitches.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/12/time-saving-apps-teachers">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationAppsSchoolsTeachingTechnologyTeachers' workloadPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsWed, 12 Nov 2014 06:59:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/12/time-saving-apps-teachersPhotograph: AlamyIf you want to save yourself some time then there might be an app for that.Photograph: AlamyIf you want to save yourself some time then there might be an app for that.Nicole Ponsford2014-11-12T06:59:04ZTeacher's guide to sleep – and why it mattershttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/11/good-night-teacher-guide-sleep
<p>On average teachers get just six hours’ sleep a night. Neurologist Judy Willis explains why this is detrimental and offers her tips on how to nod off with ease</p><p>If you are a sleep deprived teacher you may not be aware of the term woodpeckering, but you’ve probably done it. It happens the day following a bad night’s sleep. You’re sitting in a long meeting and you can barely keep your eyes open, so you prop your head up with your hand. Next thing you know, you are jerking your sleeping head back to its upright position. Do this a few times and you are woodpeckering.</p><p>I thought I knew sleep deprivation when I did my medical internship in hospital. That year I frequently went 36 hours with no sleep. When I finished my residency in neurology, I welcomed the promise of full nights of sleep ever after. It went pretty well for the next 10 years until I became a school teacher and experienced a whole new level of sleep deprivation.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/11/good-night-teacher-guide-sleep">Continue reading...</a>Teacher NetworkEducationTeachingTeachers' workloadSchoolsPrimary schoolsSecondary schoolsWork-life balanceTue, 11 Nov 2014 07:00:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/11/good-night-teacher-guide-sleepPhotograph: AlamyIs insomnia keeping you up at night? Try some of our tips to help you drift off. Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyIs insomnia keeping you up at night? Try some of our tips to help you drift off. Photograph: AlamyJudy Willis, neurologist2014-11-11T07:00:07Z